Kenneth S. Breuer is a Professor of Engineering at Brown University, serving as Director of the Center for Fluid Mechanics. He holds appointments in the School of Engineering and collaborates across disciplines, including Biology and Physics. His research focuses on fluid mechanics, animal flight mechanics (particularly bats), bacterial motility, renewable energy, and turbulence. Breuer earned his Sc.B. from Brown University and M.Sc./Ph.D. from MIT, returning to Brown in 1999 after faculty service at MIT. Education: Sc.B. (Brown), M.Sc./Ph.D. (MIT). Awards include Fellowships from the American Physical Society and American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the Harold and Esther Edgerton Chair at MIT. He has authored over 100 publications and edited books such as *Microscale Diagnostic Techniques*. Research Interests: Fluid mechanics at micro/nanoscales, bio-inspired flight mechanisms, energy harvesting, and vortex dynamics. Collaborations include Professors Sharon Swartz (Biology) and Thomas Powers (Engineering). Current projects explore bat wing aerodynamics, membrane hydrofoils, and aerosol transmission in vehicles. Awards: APS Division of Fluid Dynamics Chair (2012), Midwest Mechanics Lecturer, and multiple fellowships. Teaching includes courses in Fluid Mechanics, Transport Phenomena, and Renewable Energy Systems. His lab develops bio-inspired robotic systems and studies flow interactions in animal and engineered systems.
Professor Todd Squires is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara, within the Robert Mehrabian College of Engineering. His research focuses on the fundamental principles of transport phenomena as applied to interfaces, membranes, and complex fluids, employing theoretical, computational, and experimental approaches to address significant challenges in micro-scale fluid mechanics. Dr. Squires' educational background includes: BS in Physics, UCLA (1995) BA in Russian Language and Literature, UCLA (1995) PhD in Physics, Harvard University (2002) His research interests span microfluidics and electrokinetics, active and nonlinear microrheology of complex materials, polymer dynamics and sensors, with particular emphasis on non-linear electrokinetic flows, interfacial rheology, and the self-assembly of nanostructured materials. His work bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with practical applications in microfluidic devices, energy storage, and biomedical systems, demonstrating the versatility of this fascinating field. Analysis of Professor Squires' recent publications reveals a consistent focus on interfacial phenomena, with particular attention to the rheological properties of fluid interfaces, particle dynamics in complex fluids, and novel microfluidic techniques for measuring and manipulating these systems. His research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between chemical engineering, physics, and materials science, with applications spanning energy storage, biomedical engineering, and environmental systems. Professor Squires has received numerous prestigious awards and honors: 2018 Robert W. Vaughan Lecture in Chemical Engineering, Caltech 2015 Elected Fellow of the American Physical Society 2013 Mid-Career Award, American Electrophoresis Society 2012 The Dudley Saville Memorial Lecture at Princeton 2010 Pierre Gilles de Gennes Prize 2010 Allan P. Colburn Memorial Lectureship, University of Delaware 2009 Francois Frenkiel Award for Fluid Mechanics 2009 Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award 2008 Beckman Young Investigator 2007 NSF CAREER Award 2005 'Rising Star' - Chronicle of Higher Education As principal investigator of the Squires Group, Professor Squires leads a dynamic research team that combines experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches to investigate transport phenomena at interfaces. His work has been supported by major funding agencies including the National Science Foundation, with his CAREER award indicating early recognition of his potential as both researcher and educator. While specific grant details aren't provided in the source material, his extensive publication record and prestigious awards suggest robust and sustained research funding. The Squires Group maintains state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for studying micro-scale fluid mechanics, including specialized equipment for microrheology measurements, microfluidic device fabrication, and interfacial characterization. Their research environment fosters collaboration across disciplines, with connections to materials science, physics, and biomedical engineering researchers at UCSB and beyond.
Bradley D. Olsen is a full professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he leads research at the intersection of polymer science, soft matter physics, and bioengineering. His work focuses on designing materials for critical applications in biotechnology, hemostasis, and sustainable polymer development while advancing fundamental understanding of polymer network mechanics and self-assembly. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of California Berkeley (2007) S.B. in Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2003) Olsen's research spans protein-based materials, block copolymer phase behavior, and mechanochemical hydrogels. He has pioneered methods for quantifying polymer network topology, developing hemostatic nanoparticles, and creating bio-inspired materials for selective biomolecular transport and medical applications. His recent publications emphasize data-driven approaches to polymer characterization and educational outreach in materials science. Scientific Awards: American Physical Society (APS) Fellow (2023) Fulbright Amazonia Scholar (2023) Alexander and I. Michael Kasser Chair in Chemical Engineering (2021) ACS Macro Letters Young Investigator Award (2021) MIT Committed to Caring Honor (2019) AIChE Owens Corning Early Career Award (2019) APS Dillon Medal (2018) Kavli Emerging Leader in Chemistry (2017) ACS Polymer Division Fellow (2016) Camille Dreyfus-Teacher Scholar (2015) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow (2014) NSF Career Grant (2013) NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008-2009) Hertz Fellow (2003-2007) Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship (2002) Olsen has received significant grant support including NSF Career (2013) and AFOSR (2012) awards. His teaching activities include innovative international outreach like the 2025 soccer-themed science camp in Brazil. The Olsen Group at MIT explores advanced materials with applications ranging from trauma care to sustainable polymers.
Randy H. Ewoldt is the Alexander Rankin Professor in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), part of the Grainger College of Engineering. He holds the Kritzer Faculty Scholar distinction and has been a faculty member since 2011, progressing from Assistant to Associate Professor before his current rank. His research focuses on fluid mechanics and rheology of complex fluids, with interdisciplinary applications in bioengineering, manufacturing, and robotics. Education includes a PhD and MS in Mechanical Engineering from MIT (2009 and 2006) and a BS from Iowa State University (2004). He has held visiting roles, including Guest Professor at ETH Zurich (2018). Research interests span rheology of complex fluids, nonlinear viscoelasticity, and material design. Notable contributions include pioneering work on protorheology and yield-stress fluids. His work often combines experiment and theory, emphasizing practical applications. Awards include the 2025 Society of Rheology Fellowship, PECASE (2017), and multiple teaching accolades. He advises on advanced fluid mechanics and rheology courses, including TAM 435, TAM 534, and ME 310. Labs/Teams: Ewoldt Research Group focuses on fluid mechanics and rheology, collaborating on projects like 3D printing and material design. Recent highlights include studies on embedded solvent exchange printing and viscoelastic fluid behavior.
Joanna Millstein is a Post-doctoral Fellow in Geophysics at the Colorado School of Mines. She earned her Ph.D. in Geophysics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2023 as part of the MIT-WHOI Joint Program in Oceanography and Engineering, where her dissertation focused on The Flow and Fracture of Antarctic Ice Shelves . She also holds an A.B. in Earth Sciences from Dartmouth College (2017). Her research centers on the deformation and fracture of glacier ice, working at the intersection of fracture mechanics, remote sensing (particularly SAR and InSAR processing), statistical mechanics, and stochastic models. Millstein uses observational data from satellites and field measurements to derive mechanical and statistical models for glacier ice processes, with particular focus on reconciling observations of ice fracture and iceberg calving with theoretical models. Her work aims to resolve the nonlinear physics of glacier ice to better understand future global climate change impacts. Millstein's publication record shows a strong focus on Antarctic ice dynamics, with recent work applying extreme value theory to analyze 47 years of iceberg calving events. Her research demonstrates consistent attention to both theoretical modeling and practical applications for understanding climate change impacts on polar regions. She has developed computational tools including CryoCloud, reflecting her commitment to open science and cloud-based infrastructure for cryosphere research. Her scientific contributions span ice shelf mechanics, fracture prediction, rheology, and statistical modeling of glacial processes. Millstein maintains an active research presence with publications extending to 2025, demonstrating ongoing contributions to the field of glaciology and climate science. She is affiliated with the glaciology research center at Colorado School of Mines and maintains an active GitHub presence with climate-related code repositories. Her work bridges theoretical geophysics with practical climate change impact assessment, particularly regarding ice sheet stability and sea level rise projections.
Ivan C. Christov is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University's School of Mechanical Engineering in West Lafayette, Indiana. His research focuses on fluid dynamics, non-Newtonian fluid mechanics, and multiphase processes, with applications in biomedical engineering, micro/nanotechnology, and advanced materials. He leads the Transport: Modeling, Numerics & Theory laboratory. Education: Ph.D., Northwestern University, 2011 M.S., Northwestern University, 2008 M.S., Texas A&M University, 2007 S.B., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2005 Research Interests: Soft hydraulics, computational science, scientific machine learning, nonlinear waves, and fluid-structure interactions. His work spans theoretical modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental validation in complex fluid systems. Publications: Recent work includes studies on flow-rate pressure-drop relations in deformable microchannels, physics-informed neural networks for particle dynamics, and fluid-structure interaction in cerebral aneurysms. Themes include microfluidics, elastohydrodynamics, and rheological characterization of soft materials. Awards: Fulbright U.S. Scholar (2022) Outstanding Engineering Instructor (multiple recognitions) Richard P. Feynman Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013) Labs/Teams: Directs the Transport laboratory at Purdue, focusing on interdisciplinary research in fluid mechanics and computational methods. Collaborates on biomedical fluid dynamics and advanced materials characterization.
Jeffrey Guasto , Associate Professor at Tufts University, holds joint appointments in the School of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) and School of Arts and Sciences (Physics & Astronomy). His work bridges engineering, physics, and biology to study transport properties in complex systems. Ph.D., Engineering (2009), Brown University Sc.M., Engineering (2004), Brown University Dual B.S. in Physics and Mechanical Engineering (2003), Lehigh University Research Interests focus on: Biophysics : Flagellar mechanics, chemotaxis, cell-fluid interactions Soft Matter : Active suspensions, colloids, viscoelastic materials Microfluidics : Device design for cell motility studies and gradient generation Environmental Transport : Microbial ecology in porous systems Scientific Trends from his 77+ publications show emphasis on microscale fluid dynamics, bacterial transport mechanisms, and viscoelastic flow instabilities. His 2024 Nature Microbiology work reveals phage-infected bacteria driving marine chemotaxis, while 2023 PNAS research explores stress topology in viscoelastic flows. Scientific Awards : NSF CAREER Award (2016) for cell dispersal mechanisms Collaborative NSF grants (2015-2023) Advising includes mentoring 15+ students and postdocs. His grants portfolio features 9+ awards, notably NSF grants for viral-microbe interactions (2018) and flagellar mechanics (2020). Labs & Teams : Leads the Guasto Laboratory at Tufts, integrating microfluidics and high-speed imaging for studying microbial transport, while collaborating with MIT, Harvard, and international institutions.
Joe Pitt-Francis is Associate Professor of Computer Science and Tutorial Fellow in Computer Science at St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford . Since 1999 he has tutored Oxford computer-science students and formally became a Tutorial Fellow of St Edmund Hall in 2024. His research lies at the intersection of computational biology and mathematical biology . Using sophisticated numerical techniques he constructs and analyses models of the heart , cancer and blood flow . A central strand of his work is software development for biological simulation; he is an active contributor to Chaste ( Cancer, Heart and Soft-Tissue Environment ), a large-scale C++ library that supports multiscale computational models in physiology and medicine. Across more than 60 peer-reviewed publications since 1998, his work has progressively advanced from foundational software-engineering papers describing Chaste’s architecture to highly-cited studies on cardiac electrophysiology , tumour-induced angiogenesis , microvascular haemodynamics and cell-cycle dynamics under hypoxia . The 2024-2025 corpus shows strong emphasis on multiscale frameworks , open benchmarking , and radiotherapy-induced vascular remodelling , positioning his group at the forefront of translational in-silico oncology. Contact: Email: Joe.Pitt-Francis@seh.ox.ac.uk
Manjesh Kumar Singh is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. He holds a PhD in Polymer Science from ETH Zurich and has postdoctoral experience at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research and ETH Zurich. Education: PhD (2016) - ETH Zurich, Switzerland ME (2011) - Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore BE (2009) - IIEST Shibpur His research focuses on Tribology, Soft Matter, and Rheology , with expertise in molecular dynamics simulations, AFM techniques, and polymer brush systems. Key projects include studying cross-linked polymer brushes under shear, solvation behaviors of elastin-like polypeptides, and tribological responses of disentangled polymer melts. Recent publications highlight his work in polymer tribology, solvation mechanisms, and shear dynamics. He has received multiple scholarships for international conferences and a Best Oral Presentation award at IndiaTrib-2019. Awards & Fellowships: Thailand 2020 International Nanotribology Forum Scholarship IndiaTrib-2019 Best Oral Presentation Kerala 2014 International Nanotribology Forum Scholarship 2012 Gordon Research Conference Travel Grant 2011 Vietnam International Nanotribology Forum Scholarship He works in the Himanshu Hatwal Nonlinear Mechanics Lab at IIT Kanpur.
Naveen Tiwari is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. His research focuses on transport phenomena, instabilities in micro-scale free surface flows, flow through porous media, and numerical modeling and simulation. He maintains active research collaborations and has published extensively in leading fluid dynamics journals. His research interests encompass Transport Phenomena , Instabilities in micro-scale free surface flows , Flow through porous media , and Numerical modeling and simulation . His work primarily investigates thin liquid film dynamics, interfacial phenomena, and stability analysis of coating flows over heterogeneous surfaces. His research has significant applications in coating technologies, microfluidics, and thermal management systems. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on Thin film stability analysis over heated surfaces Effects of substrate topography on liquid film behavior Nonlinear dynamics of volatile liquid films Dip-coating processes on patterned surfaces His work bridges fundamental fluid dynamics with practical engineering applications. His notable scientific achievements include: Young Scientist Research Award from the Department of Atomic Energy (2014) Membership in the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (2007-2008) Invitation to present at the International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics symposium in Bangalore (2014) Prof. Tiwari received his PhD from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (2003-2008) with a thesis on 'Dynamics and Stability of Non-Inertial Coating Flows over Heterogeneous Surfaces' under Prof. Jeffrey M. Davis. Prior to his current position, he worked as a Senior Research Engineer at Saint-Gobain, MA (USA) from 2008-2012, where he worked on Diesel Particulate Filter regeneration modeling, methane ignition modeling, sapphire crystal growth, and solid-oxide fuel cells.
Professor Bjoern Braunschweig is a W2 Professor for Physical Chemistry at the Institute of Physical Chemistry within the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Muenster. His research group focuses on fluid interfaces, hierarchical materials, and responsive systems, utilizing advanced nonlinear optical spectroscopy techniques such as sum-frequency generation (SFG) and second-harmonic scattering (SHS) to investigate molecular structures at interfaces. He leads the ERC-funded SUPERFOAM project, which aims to establish molecular-level understanding of foam formation and stability. His research interests span across interface science, soft matter physics, electrocatalysis, and responsive materials. Braunschweig's work particularly emphasizes molecular self-assembly at fluid interfaces, electrode/electrolyte interfaces in ionic liquids, and the development of light- and temperature-responsive materials. His group investigates how molecular building blocks like surfactants, polymers, and proteins determine macroscopic properties of soft materials such as foams and emulsions. The research group has published extensively on photoswitchable arylazopyrazole surfactants, thermoresponsive polymer systems, CO 2 electrocatalysis in ionic liquids, and ion-specific effects at interfaces. Their recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on molecular-level understanding of interface phenomena with applications in energy conversion, smart materials, and environmental processes. ERC Starting Grant (2014) BASF fellowship (2014) Max Buchner research fellowship (2012) DAAD Travel Grant (2012) Feodor Lynen fellowship (2009) Dissertation award (2009) Professor Braunschweig supervises multiple PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, including Billura Shakhayeva, Tim Blinzer, Tan Phat Pham, and Zugang Cong. His former students include notable researchers such as Natalia García Rey, Marco Schnurbus, and Eric Weißenborn. The group maintains strong collaborations with researchers across Europe, particularly with Michael Ryan Hansen, Andreas Heuer, and Monika Schönhoff at the University of Muenster, as well as international partners in Poland and the United States. Their research combines experimental approaches with theoretical modeling to develop fundamental understanding of interface phenomena with practical applications in materials science and energy technologies.
John F. Brady is the Chevron Professor of Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology. He earned his B.S. from the University of Pennsylvania (1975), M.S. (1977) and Ph.D. (1981) from Stanford University, and has held academic roles at Caltech since 1985, including Executive Officer for Chemical Engineering (1993-99; 2013-19). His research focuses on fluid mechanics, transport processes, and complex/multiphase fluids. Elected to the National Academy of Sciences (20XX) Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (20XX) Brady's publications reveal expertise in active matter dynamics, microrheology, and non-equilibrium systems. His work spans fundamental fluid mechanics to applied biomedical device design, with a strong emphasis on computational modeling and experimental validation in colloidal and soft matter physics.
Endre Süli is a Professor of Numerical Analysis at the University of Oxford, affiliated with Worcester College and Linacre College. He has held various academic roles since 1985, including Fellowships and Tutorships in Mathematics. University Education: B.Sc. in Mathematics, University of Belgrade (1974-1978) M.Sc. in Mathematics, University of Belgrade (1978-1980) Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of Belgrade (1985) M.A., University of Oxford (1985) British Council Visiting Student, Reading University and University of Oxford (1983/84) Süli's research focuses on numerical methods for partial differential equations (PDEs), with expertise in finite element methods, adaptive algorithms, error control, and computational modeling of fractures and non-Newtonian fluids. His work bridges mathematical theory and practical applications in fluid dynamics and material science. His recent publications emphasize finite element approximations, nonlinear PDEs, and stochastic models for polymer dynamics. Themes include multiscale methods, tensor-sparsity for high-dimensional problems, and compressible flow simulations. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Royal Society (2021) London Mathematical Society Naylor Prize and Lectureship (2021) Pro Urbe Prize, City of Subotica (2021) SIAM Fellow (2016) Member, Academia Europaea (2020) Foreign Member, Serbian National Academy of Sciences and Arts (2009) IMA Service Award (2011) Fellow, European Academy of Sciences (EurASc) (2010) Fellow, Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (2007) London Mathematical Society/New Zealand Mathematical Society Forder Lecturer (2015) Professor Hospitus, Charles University, Prague (2012) Distinguished Visiting Chair Professor, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2013) Invited Speaker, International Congress of Mathematicians, Madrid (2006) Süli has supervised numerous research projects and held visiting appointments globally. His contributions to numerical analysis span foundational work on error estimation, nonlinear stability, and advanced computational frameworks for complex physical systems.
Paulo E. Arratia is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics. His research spans soft matter physics, complex fluids, and biomechanics, with a focus on non-Newtonian fluid dynamics, bacterial suspensions, and microfluidics. He serves as the Faculty Director of Undergraduate Research and leads a research group based in Towne M60, exploring phenomena such as viscoelastic flow instabilities and the physics of baseball mud. Departments: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics Honors: Eduardo D. Glandt Distinguished Scholar, Fellow of the Society of Rheology (2025), APS DFD Fellow (2022) His recent work highlights the interplay between biological systems and fluid mechanics, including studies on bacterial rheotaxis, sedimentation dynamics, and the rheology of human blood plasma. Collaborations with Dr. Jerolmack on mudslide physics and contributions to understanding elastic turbulence and chaotic transport further underscore his interdisciplinary approach. Scientific awards include: Fellow, Society of Rheology (2025) APS DFD Fellow (2022) for experimental discoveries in complex and biological fluid mechanics He has advised PhD students Bryan Torres Maldonado, Ranjiangshang Ran, and Larry Galloway, all of whom successfully defended their theses. His lab’s recent publications analyze soft matter mechanics, granular creep, and viscoelastic swimmers, reflecting ongoing trends in active matter and material failure.
Noel J. Walkington is a Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, affiliated with the Mellon College of Science. His research focuses on developing numerical algorithms for partial differential equations, bridging mechanical engineering and mathematics. Education: M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla, and a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin. Postdoctoral appointments at both institutions. Research interests include numerical methods for multiphase flows, viscoelastic fluids, and complex fluid dynamics. His work emphasizes computational techniques for engineering and mathematical challenges. Publications span topics like porous media flow, control volume approximations, and liquid crystal dynamics, reflecting a strong focus on computational and applied mathematics.
